Overview
- Reaffirming Germany as a dependable partner, Katherina Reiche said she will personally push to ensure Israel receives required defense goods, while export reviews continue case by case.
- Previous restrictions on German arms exports to Israel imposed during the Gaza war were lifted after the ceasefire, though companies report delays due to ongoing approvals.
- In meetings with Economy Minister Nir Barkat, Reiche highlighted cooperation opportunities in cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, medtech, and defense, with Germany described as Israel’s best partner in Europe.
- Reiche said she sought lessons from Israel on protecting energy systems from cyberattacks, warning that threats to German infrastructure are real and corporate attacks are intensifying.
- Briefing data from the Israel Innovation Authority underscored that high-tech contributes over 17% of Israel’s GDP and employs 11.5% of the workforce, reinforcing plans to link Israeli start-ups with German industry.